Looks like those Pedro Power Players strike again. Oh no, wait, it's a Valley thing, isn't it? Per usual . . .

The valley could have had a subway, but they didn't want that. They could have had the 101 widened, but they didn't want that. They fought the rapid busway. Wouldn't consider a stadium. There's a long list of the same.
Now they want to make sure they are getting their "fair share."
The valley activists don't seem to want anything, but complain when they get what they asked for.

I agree with CD.

These NIMBYs don't care about the greatness of L.A., just their own backyard. They just want to cut out the "cancer" of the core city -- never mind what happens to that basin across the hill, it can rot for all they care -- just so they can make believe they live in Burbank or Glendale.

But they're wrong. A culturally devoid city of 1 million, which still has severe poverty on its north and northeast extremes is what they'll be left with. Disney Hall, LACMA, the Dodgers, the Lakers, Getty Museum, Venice, etc. etc., will all be out of town, while the secession NIMBYs do their math to determine whether they've received their "fair share,"

And with questionable and devious leaders like Jeff Brain, do we want to be under secessionist jurisdiction? Do I want a NIMBY for my mayor, or, worse, a Republican NIMBY from Granada Hills?

I am a proud Angeleno who lives in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks area. I am a part of L.A. I utilize L.A. I derive joy from L.A. I am proud of the city. The city's problems are my problems. And I share in the benefits of living in a World Class city as opposed to a blander version of Phoenix whose southern border is Mulholland.

Solution as I see it: Stay on top of City Hall. And vote for Bob Hertzberg for L.A. mayor to get a Valley-ite in City Hall. (He's not my official candidate at this time, but I'm all for his fervent support by those who seek Valley representation downtown.)

I think, actually, that Alt and I agree only about 50%- but it's a good 50%. The Valley has many councilmembers representing it while other identifiable areas don't (San Pedro has one, the central city has one, etc). They are smaller landmasses, sure, but they don't buddy up and create the same kind of bloc as "The Valley."

Also - if you think having a valley mayor will help you, I'd again like to point out that contrary to a prior post's comments, San Pedro hasn't benefitted much from being home to Jim Hahn. Janice does well by us, but it's not like having a Mayor and councilwoman has made us The place in LA. So think twice before you equate Bob Hertzhugger (whom I love, but don't necessarily back yet) with a boon for the Valley.

Plus this geographic tribalism is bad for the city as a whole. We need to demand good representation from our leaders regarldess of which zipcode they call home.

A history lesson on Valley politics.

The stadium - the big one was proposed for the Sep. Dam basin. First Hollywood Park proposed it in the mid-80s. Could you think about what adding the cars used to bring in 50-80,000 people would do to the 101-405?

The subway - when first proposed, it would have been a belowground open trench once it got to North Hollywood. How many other areas would have gone for that? The busway is the best can be done because of the Robbins' bill (oh yeah, a Democrat involved with a banking scandal - never mind) which mandated underground rail.

As part of the NoHo redevelopment, an 8,000 seat arena is proposed. Who is one of the first city "leaders" to say no? Hollywood bought-and-paid for Tom LaBonge (sic if needed). Doesn't want any competition for the "well-placed" Kodak Theatre. (Causing traffic nightmares for LA citizens who work south and live north of the Hollywood mountains!)

How many other areas would be forced to see a portion of its local "mall" with small busineses ripped out in the middle of three city blocks for a school? How many other areas would be forced to take prime real estate that could be used for development (read good jobs and tax revenue) and housing at the focal point of two major mass transit routes and use that land for a high school?

Are there NIMBYs in the Valley? YES!
Have they stopped good developments in the Valley? YES!
Are we being shortchanged by the city leadership in downtown? YES!
Would the Valley be better off if one of its own was mayor of the City of Lost Angles? Don't know but I want to find out.

Alls I'm saying is there's no proof. San Pedro isn't magically perfect now by virtue of being home to the Mayor - so weigh your vote carefully.

('Course, I'd still live in Pedro any day over the Valley, but that's another issue entirely . . . )